World Menopause Day: LJMU hosts first 'Café' discussion

LJMU is to hold its’ first Menopause Café to break down the taboo around menopause and to increase awareness of its impact.

Menopause Cafés are informal, group-directed discussions and an increasingly popular way of opening up a subject too often hidden from view.

Rachel Weiss, who founded  Menopause Café and will facilitate the event, said: “The Café is aimed at women and men of all ages who would like to come along and share their stories, experiences and questions.

“Unfortunately, many people feel that they should just ‘get on with’ the menopause with some never talking to their friends of family about it. People can come along and just listen, or join in on the discussions, hopefully leaving with a clearer sense of the impact of the menopause on those who are experiencing it, their families, friends and colleagues.”

The event on November 5 is organised by Professor Kay Standing (Humanities and Social Science) and Dr Niki Hopkins (Sport & Exercise Sciences), both of whom have conducted research into aspects of the menopause. The Café will take place on Zoom from 12-2pm.

New guidance

Institutionally, LJMU is currently updating its approach to make the workplace environment more supportive and sensitive to the needs of menopausal women. HR are developing staff guidance on how menopause can differently affect people at work, and how line managers can support their staff.

If you would like to be involved in this consultation or have any comments you would like to share please contact Amanda Mannion a.j.mannion@ljmu.ac.uk.

Additionally, the Health and Wellbeing Team are developing a web hub of guidance about health issues and conditions, including the menopause, which will be launched in the New Year.

- Monday October 18 was World Menopause Day when our LJMU colleague Mel Jones shared her personal reflections on the menopause.